And so it begins...again

What is it about September that make you want to start afresh every year? Maybe it is the purchase of #2 pencils or the sound of school buses.

To say that I have taken time off from running would be an understatement. I haven't run since June. No excuses, just burnt out and didn't feel like doing it.

Today, while I was at home working on a quilt (aka running with scissors) I watched "The Spirit of the Marathon". It is a fantastic movie that follows a group runners of varying abilities training for the 2005 Chicago marathon. They also do interviews with Dick Beardsly, Deana Kastor, Joan Benoit, Jon Bingham, Hal Higdon. Let's just say it was the inspiration I have been needing to get my butt moving again. As I was watching the runners get ready the day of the marathon I got the butterflies that I always do the day of a race. I cried right along with the finishers. I don't know what other sport has such a gamut of emotions that you feel on such a regular basis.

New shoes and the first mile of many are in my future!

All FORE Cross Training!

I haven't written on my blog for a while, because I haven't been running. I think all of my penguin friends are enjoying the unseasonably cool weather to do other things; golfing, biking, walking, sewing, ect.

I picked up my golf clubs a couple of weeks ago and realized how many different muscles golf requires that I somehow never use. After a tip from Dan that I was completely lining my club up backwards in my stance I started to hit the ball a little better. I will head to the driving range a few more times I have two golf tournaments that I am going to golf in. One is a family tournament and the other is Kylie's Hope at Como. This last weekend I was the photographer at the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' Tournament. Perfect Day!

I haven't given running up, just taking a vacation.

If you would like to join Dan & I in the Kylie's Hope golf tournament benefitting the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance here is a link

https://ecommunity.tsalliance.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=772

Running with Scissors

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What have I been doing the past few weeks (besides neglecting my blog)

• Helping with the Step Forward to Cure TSC Walk & 5K (Which raised $40,000!)
• Reading a fluffy romance (cotton candy for the brain)
• Cleaning Closets and our guest room (had to be done)
• Painting the guest room
• Finishing a t-shirt quilt I started over a year ago!

The crappy weather this past weekend was perfect for staying indoors and finishing this project that I have been thinking about since I started running. Not long after I finished my first 5k I was reading a running magazine and saw an ad for someone who makes t-shirt quilts. I thought, "I could make one of those." Well, eight plus years later I finished my first one.

The quilt is a conglomeration of shirts scarfs from runs, concerts and favorites from my drawer mixed in with some fabric. Much like me, the pattern is random, the fabric combinations are unconventional and the corners aren't perfect.

A walk with an old friend.

It set off this morning with the best intentions-5K run. The minute I stepped out the door the scent of blooming lilacs, crab apple trees and lily of valleys accompanied by the beautiful voice of Eva Cassidy I decided it was a day to slow down and appreciate my surroundings.

Eva Cassidy if one of my very favorite singers, I think that I love her music so much because sings rock, folk, blues, jazz and gospel. I discovered Eva a quite few years ago and used to listen to her a lot while I ran, but I had not listened to her in a while and her songs made for a perfect soundtrack for a long overdue glorious spring morning. My apologies to any passing squirrels, birds and passing bikers as I belted out "Tennessee Waltz". I am very sorry to say that Eva Cassidy passed away in her early 30's of cancer, but I am so very thankful that she left such beautiful music for generations to enjoy.

Get out and enjoy this weather!

WE DID IT!!!!!

OH MY GOD WE ALL FINISHED!
I am very proud to say that I finished in 3:01 running my poky 4 & 1's. I have to say that I was a little stunned when I got to the end somehow somewhere I found a sprint and I looked good for the end. I still can't believe that I ran 13.1 miles!

Other than a giant blister on my little toe I feel pretty good. I had a really fun experience. Fargo goes out of its way to cheer on the runners, I saw more people lining the entire route than I have ever seen anywhere. It was a cold morning 39 at the beginning of the race, but that didn't seem to phase any of the spectators. The little kids were the best! It seem to make there day to give the runners high-fives and I was happy to oblige!

I thought that I would turn into a puddle at the end of the race (there is a precedent for this), but as I rounded the last corner to enter the Fargo Dome I caught pace with a guy in his early 20's finishing the marathon. I don't know what came over me, but I wanted to sprint the guy to the end. So that saved me from becoming a blubbering mess. Then as I approached the finish line they announced my name, which made me run a little faster. Dan called to me at the finish line, this was the first race he has ever seen me finish.

It was an amazing experience! I don't think I am ready for a marathon, not quite sure I ever will be. Never say never...

And it swelled to 12

12 MILES!
2 Hours 28 Minutes 12:19 Minute Mile

I wish I could say it was easy, but it wasn't. The first two miles my legs were so tight I thought they would snap. Some how I kept going, although I was trying to talk myself out of it.

After the first two miles I found a groove and started to play the mind games;

• "Can't stop running until we get to the end of the cadence"
• "Power Song -MOVE "
• "What am I going to eat after this"
• "What am I going to wear to Lynn's concert tonight"

You get the picture.
The worst part was while I was running at Lindbergh there were 5 basketball games going on the entire time I was running down in the field house and the concession stand was selling mini-donuts, popcorn and pizza. The smell was making me nauseous.

I am looking forward to the race this weekend finally getting here. It will be fun to share it with my running buddies and Dan will be at the finish line.

She is my 1*3*5

That is the number of minutes that I ran today 2 hours and 15 minutes! ( That doesn't include warm up and cool down) If some one had told me in 2000 when I ran my first 5k that I would be training for two hours at a time I would have asked them how much crack they had smoked that day!

The chip thief had not revealed the location of my Nike Chip so I added 13 minutes to my 10 mile run to get the proper time. I actually think I went further than 11 miles because one I got warmed up I was running longer than I normally do. All runners play games in their mind to make the miles go a little easier, I am no exception. Today if a military cadence came on (I have downloaded quite a few from itunes) I ran to the end even if it carried me through my walk minute. There were a few songs that I did the same thing. A huge thank you to the three older ladies walking at Lindbergh that said "I think she has passed us about 100 times" when it was about 6 times.

Here are a few of the songs that carried me today

• Diana Ross reigned supreme today "Ain't no mountain high enough" & "I'm coming out"
• Killers "Mr. Brightsides" (end of the workout)
• Violent Femmes "Blister in the Sun"-Let me go wild!
• Micheal Franti & Spearhead "Say Hey"
• Navy Running Cadences "Easy Run"
• Chris Hawkey "Dig Down" (Sang this one out loud)
• Beach Boys "Good Vibrations" (I am a surfer girl)
• Green Day always keeps me going "American Idiot" & "Holiday"
• Chic "LeFreak"
• Nikka Costa "Everybody Got Their Something"
• Bill Withers "Lovely Day"
• Corrs " Joy of Life/Trout in the Bath"
• Cat Stevens "Morning has broken" (This is a tippy-toe song and never fails to give me goosebumps)
• Quietdrive "Birthday" (I cheer along)

Well, I guess that is more than a few, but if you are looking for some new/old music for your ipod here you go!

Chip Theif!

What kind of chip you might ask; potato, micro, poker, cow...no my Nike Chip!
Alan is completely fixated on my new ipod nano. He hid it a week after I got it and I went crazy trying to find it, thanks to my level headed hubby it was located.

Well, last Sunday after my run I took my chip out of the nano and set it next to my computer and when I went to run again it was gone! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I have scoured my house, including all of the garbage cans, Alan's favorite place to hide things, and no luck.

Calgon take me away!

Hello Fartlek, old friend.

I was due for another 10 mile run today and I mistakenly wore a running skirt, which I thought would be OK. Wrong! About half way through my first rep my skirt was driving me crazy! Then my power song, Matchbox 20 "How far we've come," came on and I thought "RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!" So I sprinted for about 75 meters and walked for about 75 meters 12 times. I also did some grapevines and hopping side steps (technical term). After I got done I went directly to Dick's and bought two pairs of running Capri's-NO MORE SKIRTS!

I will do a longer run tomorrow.
Only three weeks to Fargo!

The days you carry with you

This morning before I took off to run I heard these ladies on radio talking about amazing days in your life that you think about to get through a crappy day (or a 5 mile run). That started the wheels turning. Which I thankful for, as I had not run in a week and I knew that 5 miles was going to feel like 500.

I have had three of those amazing days in the past 6 months!

1. Was back in October when we were on vacation in Hawaii and we went on a large catamaran over to Lanai for the day. There were 9 in our group and we saw a huge school of spinner dolphins, went snorkeling and just plain had an amazing day.
2. In January I worked with an awesome group of friends on The Taste of the Twin Cities food and wine event. All of the stars were in alignment, because everything went off great and we raised a ton of money.
3. This past Sunday I went surfing in Santa Monica with a 6 friends and it was sooo much fun! I had been paddle surfing in Hawaii, but this was traditional ride the pipe surfing. I can't even begin to tell you how exhausting it was to get out where you turn around to catch a wave, but it was worth all of the work! I didn't stand up on my board, but I loved every minute of it.

All three days involve my wonderful circle of friends, my only regret is Dan was not in California with me (next year). I am truly blessed to be surrounded to by such great friends who are willing to go on these adventures with me.

Gr888t!

Last night I ran 8 Miles!

Enough said, I am off to Hollywood this weekend (they are going to make a bio-pic on my extraordinary running career-NOT.) My friend Jim and I are going to Comedy For A Cure with Running Chick Sarah, Rocket Club and our dear friend Judy. I am sure I will come back with some gr888t stories!

Lucky 7

Seven Miles! I ran seven miles today and I still can't believe it!

Because the weather is so lovely here in Minnesota today (fricking freezing!) I ran inside at Lindbergh Center with the track teams. Running with the kids make me feel like a geezer, but it doesn't stop me from singing out loud to my music. I had a wonderful little concert this morning with my ipod and I want to thank the following groups for keeping me moving today;

Matchbox 20
Doobie Brothers
QuietDrive
Green Day
Bowling For Soup
And Many More!

Tuberous Sclerosis Research Program

I need your help.

As many of you know my 12 year old son was born with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and as a result has epilepsy, autism and cognitive delays. In February I went to Washington DC for the third year to meet with our Minnesota legislators and also North Dakota, Oklahoma and Arkansas to request continued funding for Tuberous Sclerosis Research Program through the Department of Defense. The Department of Defense has a dedicated program to fund medical research. This IS NOT an earmark. The research that the TS Alliance is doing with the funds is not only going to impact those affected with Tuberous Sclerosis it will impact; Epilepsy, Autism, Diabetes, Cancer and Arthritis.

It need all of you to contact at least one of your legislators. Believe me, their offices listen to each and every phone call and look at every email.

If you are emailing please put Tuberous Sclerosis Research Program in the subject and encourage them to support the $10 million request through the Department of Defense medical research program for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research.

Check out the link on the right if you need to find your legislator

Thank you for your support of something that is very near and dear to my heart!
Missy

The Potty Dash!

I am happy to report that I ran 6 miles again today! That is twice in one month!
I only got one 4.5 mile run in earlier in the week, but I still feel good about my runs.

I am so very happy that the temperature has crept up past 40 degrees, but it doesn't come with out a price. This morning before I ventured out I drank a bunch of water and went to the bathroom before I left. About mile 2 I had to go again! I just shook it off and thought," No problem, I can make it!" Let me tell you I almost didn't! The last half mile I had walk (more like the pee-pee shuffle) because it felt like my bladder was going to implode before I got home. I gladly would have ducked into a porta-potty, but there were none to be found. I have no idea what I am going to do when I am running 10 miles at one time? Depends!

100% Irish (for the day)

Kathy and I participated in the 100% Irish 5k around Lake Harriet this morning and the luck of the Irish was with us. We didn't fall down on the skating rink of a running course. Kathy saw a lady taken away in an ambulance and I saw a guy laying flat on his back waiting for the ambulance. Scary! Despite the icy conditions we had a really good time, got a really nice technical shirt and I ran at my typical 39 minutes. I thought that was really good considering I never once relaxed in my run or opened up and took off.

I can't say enough good things about the Nike chip! In all the years I have been running I have never really know how far or how fast I was really going. Now I see at what pace I am running and I can't wait to hear Lance say, "100 meters left" or "Goal completed".

6 - It's a magic number!

6 MILES!!!

I never in my whole life thought I would run 6 miles in one day and be happy to talk about it!!! A huge thank you to Kathy my pacing partner today, we both did it and felt good after wards!

Technology has become my very good friend the last month, I got my very cute orange Ipod for Valentines Day along with the Nike Chip. Today I discovered the beauty of the Power Song! Lance Armstrong broke into the music and told me I had 400 meters left just as my Power Song (How far we've come by Matchbox 20) came on and it was like someone let me loose and the wheels were moving. I have no idea where that burst of energy came from, but it works! I will take it!

Thank God For Fresh Air!

I finally got out today and ran. Hallelujah!
I love fresh air!
I am finally feeling a little better and ran a good 5k today.

Back to Business!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I had an amazing trip, but did not get in one single run. I think that I walked 100 miles in the Senate and Congress builings. Next year I am going to wear my Nike Chip so I know how far I walked. I have been a little under the weather so I am hoping for a good run tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Mr. Presidents!

Thank you to my Running Chicks and Rooster for the great run yesterday! Every one's excitement is building as we get ready for Fargo!

Running Chick Sarah, Hawk and I are off to Washington DC in about a week and I have to say that I am looking forward to a run on the National Mall. Hawk did this run two years ago and I thought he was a little crazy to be on a trip and going running, oh how the times have changed. Our hotel is just a block off the mall, so I am hoping to get 2 runs in while we are there.

Sarah, Hawk and I will be joining other volunteers from across the country that go to Washington DC to visit with their legislators to lobby for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex research funding. This is the third year we have done this and it is one of the most rewarding experiences that we do as volunteers. Visiting the lawmakers offices you quickly learn that they listen to what you have to say whether you call, email or visit.

Hope you all have a little presidential birthday cake today!
Mis

Hal Higdon's Training Schedule

Here is the Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Training Schedule

Training First Half Marathon

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1	Stretch & Strengthen	3 m run	2 m run or cross	3 m run + strength	Rest	30 min cross	4 m run
2	Stretch & Strengthen	3 m run	2 m run or cross	3 m run + strength	Rest	30 min cross	4 m run
3	Stretch & Strengthen	3.5 m run	2 m run or cross	3.5 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	5 m run
4	Stretch & Strengthen	3.5 m run	2 m run or cross	3.5 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	5 m run
5	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	2 m run or cross	4 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	6 m run
6	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	2 m run or cross	4 m run + strength	Rest or easy run	Rest	5-K Race
7	Stretch & Strengthen	4.5 m run	3 m run or cross	4.5 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	7 m run
8	Stretch & Strengthen	4.5 m run	3 m run or cross	4.5 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	8 m run
9	Stretch & Strengthen	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run + strength	Rest or easy run	Rest	10-K Race
10	Stretch & Strengthen	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	9 m run
11	Stretch & Strengthen	5 m run	3 m run or cross	5 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	10 m run
12	Stretch & Strengthen	4 m run	3 m run or cross	2 m run	Rest	Rest	Half Marathon

Please Stand by ...

I have been experiencing technical difficulties. My beloved eMac has been misbehavin',
I thing that it was just sick of the crap I put it through the last month.

Well our first ever Taste of the Twin Cities Food and Wine event was a Huge Success! We raised $33,000! It was a truly lovely evening.

Now onto Fargo! I got two good runs in this week and we walked today. I am excited to get back to consistent training. I know my hind end can use it!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Taste Of The Twin Cities

Ok, so I have not been running much, but I have been insanely busy. Along with Running Chick Sarah we are chairing a food and wine event called Taste Of The Twin Cities which benefits the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. It is shaping up to be a really fun night with 13 restaurants participating. Here is the information if you would like to join us for a really

Join us for an evening of culinary delights prepared by the area's top chefs paired with wines from select wineries and bid on fabulous auction items while providing hope for a cure to the children, adults and families living with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Thursday, January 29, 2008
The Metropolitan
5418 Wayzata Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55416

6:30 p.m.
Doors Open
Food & Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
Music performed by Chris Hawkey

8:00 p.m.
TS Alliance Presentation and Live Auction
Silent Auction Closes

Individual Tickets $75
Tickets are available at the door or
To purchase tickets online
https://ecommunity.tsalliance.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=747
Questions email
tcfoodandwine@gmail.com

I demand a do-over!

What is it about this week?! A lot of good things have happened, but they don't seem to out weigh the total crap! I have only gotten one run in this week and I am hoping to get another in later today. ARGHHH! That puts me short for my first week of training. I guess I will start fresh again next week and get over it!
Done with the bi$#%ing!

To resolve or not resolve?

Happy 2009!
It was a pretty low-key celebration at our house, I didn't even make it to midnight.

Do you make resolutions? I didn't until about three years ago when I heard Kevyn Burger on FM 107.1 talk about her resolution from the year before. Her resolution was to use canvas bags when she went to the grocery store and I though, "I can do that", and I am happy to say that I do use my tote bags about 75% of the time. My other resolutions have been not to eat fast food in my car (I have slipped on this one), read one book a month (when I made that I worked at a book store and never had time to read). I have had pretty good success with all of theses resolutions and I think it is because they are so simple.

This year my resolution is to do 1 thing a day that I love, which include;

• Reading
• Scrapbooking
• Ice Skating
• Crocheting
• Sewing
• Surfing
  

You get the idea. I love to watch TV and movies, but I feel like I do to much of that and I can be doing something from my list while I watch TV. I also love to run, but with the 1/2 marathon only 5 months away training will not be a luxury it will be a necessity.

If you are looking for ideas for a simple resolution

• Make your bed everyday (it is a present you wrap for yourself everyday)
• Floss your teeth (good gums never hurt anyone)
• Eat breakfast (get that metabolism up and crankin')
• Write one letter a month (in the age of the Internet the written word has gone away)
• Accept compliments (Yes, you do look good!)
• Turn your phone off at 8 PM (I know it's scary, but you can do it)

I could go on, but that should give you some good ideas.
Off to run!

PS. I am sure there is some sort of running penance that my running buddies and I need to do for skipping the race on New Year's Eve-"Thou shalt not register and not runnith unless on deaths door"